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What does sodium do?

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Sodium in the diet (called dietary sodium) is measured in milligrams (mg). Table salt is 40% sodium. One teaspoon (5 milliliters) of table salt contains 2,300 mg of sodium. Healthy adults should limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. Adults with high blood pressure should have no more than 1,500 mg per day. read more

A sodium blood test is pretty straightforward: It measures the amount of sodium in your blood. Sodium is key to controlling the amount of fluid in your body. Your body needs it for your brain and muscles to work the right way. read more

Sodium is dissolved in the blood and plays a key role in maintaining blood pressure. Sodium attracts and holds water, so the sodium in the blood helps maintain the liquid portion of the blood. On the other hand, if you consume too much sodium, your body may hold onto extra water, increasing the volume of your blood. read more

Healthy adults should limit sodium intake to 2,300 mg per day. Adults with high blood pressure should have no more than 1,500 mg per day. Those with congestive heart failure, liver cirrhosis, and kidney disease may need much lower amounts. There are no specific recommended amounts of sodium for infants, children, and teens. read more

Sodium is an electrolyte, which means it has an electrical charge. Your body needs electrolytes to control blood pressure and blood volume. Your kidneys remove excess fluid from your blood by osmosis, which is a process by which fluid is drawn across cell walls. read more

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